History was made at Doncaster Racecourse for the 250th anniversary Betfred St Leger Festival as Saffie Osborne became the first female to win a British Classic. Four days of first-class racing, entertainment and celebration saw more than 60,000 racegoers attend the historic festival, a 16% increase on 2025’s attendance and the biggest crowd across the four-day festival since 2015.
On Saturday, the festival’s centrepiece, the Betfred St Leger Stakes, saw Highwayman, ridden by Saffie Osborne and trained by Joseph O’Brien, claim victory in the world’s oldest Classic. HRH The Princess Royal was in attendance to present the coveted Betfred St Leger Trophy, while crowds surrounded the parade ring to applaud the landmark moment, creating a truly special addition to the momentous day.
The festival got underway on Thursday 10 September with Betfred Ladies Day, where, alongside high-octane racing, Linda Haylett was crowned the 2026 Style Awards winner, as chosen by lifestyle personality and local girl Daisy Tomlinson.
Betfred Gents Day on Friday, saw Caballo De Mar, ridden by jockey Oisin Murphy, claim the historic Betfred Doncaster Cup and jockey Niall Madden aboard Tolstoy win the Betfred Leger Legends Stakes, the only race in Britain for retired jockeys, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Saturday’s landmark Betfred St Leger Day welcomed over 30,000 racegoers for the 250th anniversary running of the Classic, its largest crowd since 2012. As well as Saffie’s historic win, racing highlights saw Desert Castle, ridden by Billy Loughnane and trained by Charlie Appleby, landing the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes, adding to a memorable day at the Racecourse. Meanwhile, More Thunder, ridden by Tom Marquand and trained by William Haggas, claimed victory in the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes.
Betfred Sunday Funday concluded the festival, welcoming racegoers of all ages for the final day of racing alongside a programme of family entertainment. Highlights of the day were Pina Sonata, with jockey Daniel Muscutt winning the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes, along with jockey Callum Rodriguez aboard Blue Brother winning the Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap. Off the track, there was family entertainment from PAW Patrol’s Chase and Skye, alongside a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, roving museum and fun fair rides, bringing the four-day celebrations to a perfect close.
Across the festival, guests were also treated to a packed programme of live entertainment, including Mark Wright, Ellie Sax, Jordan North and The Everly Pregnant Brothers, while Artist in Residence, Rebecca Wright, captured the atmosphere of the 250th anniversary of the Betfred St Leger through a live painting on Saturday.
Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “We’ve been delighted by the incredible response from guests throughout the festival, and it has been a privilege to celebrate such a significant milestone in the history of the Betfred St Leger with so many people, including HRH The Princess Royal.
“I am immensely proud to be the custodian of this remarkable race at this moment in its history. None of us truly owns the Betfred St Leger; our responsibility is to care for it, celebrate its heritage and ensure it continues to thrive for the generations who will follow us.
“Since 1776, racing has helped shape our city, bringing people together, attracting visitors from across Britain and around the world, and providing opportunities and careers for generations of local people.
“From the style and atmosphere of Betfred Ladies Day, to seeing past jockeys race in the Leger Legends race on Betfred Gents Day and hearing the roar of the crowd during the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes itself, this year's festival has created so many unforgettable moments. Betfred Sunday Funday then provided a fitting finale to an outstanding four days, with families and racegoers enjoying a fantastic combination of racing and entertainment.
“My sincere thanks go to Betfred, our Festival partner, and to all our sponsors, partners, racing participants, colleagues and volunteers whose support makes this wonderful occasion possible.
“Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us. Whether this was your first visit to Doncaster Racecourse or the continuation of a family tradition stretching back generations, you are now part of the Betfred St Leger's story too. In another 250 years, people will still tell the story of the St Leger.”
The 250th Betfred St Leger Festival marked a major milestone in the history of the Racecourse and the iconic Classic, bringing together racing, entertainment and celebrations across four days in Doncaster.
The Betfred St Leger Festival will return in 2027, following this year’s landmark 250th anniversary celebrations. Tickets are now on sale for the 2027 festival. Secure yours for the best price online at https://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/racing-highlights/st-leger-festival
